Inside out, with Catherine Walker.

Catherine Walker, currently starring as the lovable Phoebe D'Ysquith in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, chats with The Pickwyck about how she got her start in theater, memorable moments and what theater means to her in this interview!

Where did you grow up? Do you have a theatrical family?

• "I grew up in Lancaster, PA. The heart of Amish Country but, nope, I'm not Amish. I'd say we are a musical family. My Dad was a clarinet major and singer in a Big Band in college. My parents actually met through the church choir my Dad was directing and my Mom sang Soprano. My sister is also a performer and although my brother is not in the biz, he has a great voice and musical sensibility."
  

What is your earliest memory of theater? When did you realize you wanted to be an actor?

• "Gosh, I grew up watching all the old movie musicals. My first memories would probably be "Mary Poppins", the original 'Parent Trap' with Haley Mills, the original "Annie" film and "Sound of Music". Anything Julie Andrews did, I was and still am obsessed. I took dance growing up and loved it but when I began taking voice lessons at 14, that's when I really fell in love with performance and conveying a story through song.  Seeing "Phantom" on Broadway for the first time solidified that desire. My world was rocked!"
  
  

What was your first car and your first job (doesn't have to be theater!)

• "Wow, this takes me back. Our family was a Volvo family. Growing up we always had the station wagon but when I was in high school, we also got a sedan version with a moon roof, I thought I was so chic! My first job was waitressing at a small diner called Billy Penn that, incidentally, my mom first worked at when she was in high school."
  

Looking back on your first acting experience and now, what would you say you learned the most?

• "I was very lucky to grow up in an area where there were many avenues for theatrical experiences. I did a lot of children's theater productions throughout high school and during college breaks. My first real acting opportunity was playing the role of 'Rapunzel' in a community theater production Of 'Into The Woods'. It was my first role in a show with adult actors and I learned so much just observing the rehearsal process and seeing what it meant to be professional and how it paid off with a very stellar production. I was challenged to up my game at a young age and I thrived on it.  My senior year of high school, my drama teacher, Jim Willig, gave me the chance to really go beyond any work I had done up to that point by giving me the role of Mary Girard in the One Act play called "The Insanity of Mary Girard", it was a fascinating played based on a true story and dealt with very deep emotional and psychological issues. I learned how to channel my emotions healthily and push myself to be a grounded, dramatic actress not just a musical comedy actress. We went on to win the state drama competition with that play and I was beyond honored to take home the trophy for best dramatic actress. It was a highlight of my high school career that was otherwise fraught with a lot of rejection and heartbreak. I am forever grateful to Mr. Willig for believing in me."
  

Could you tell us about your education at Carnegie Mellon? Was there a particular instructor that inspired you and gave you words that you live by?

•  "As I said in my previous answer, high school was difficult for me. I knew in my heart that my calling was to perform, especially vocally, and I dealt with a lot of rejection early in my development. So when I graduated high school and got to college, I felt so liberated and inspired that I would finally get to immerse myself in what I loved 24/7 and become a well rounded performer. I studied classical voice and although I never really wanted to be an opera singer, I feel it was excellent training and gave me a very solid and healthy foundation on which to build all vocal techniques and styles. One of my teachers, Thom Douglas, taught voice in the Musical Theater department and he would let me come to his studio for an hour each week or so for free and sing all the musical theater material I wasn't allowed to sing in my department. I will always be incredibly indebted to him as well!"

What is your favorite New York spot?

• "This is tough to pick just one because I have so many specific memories and milestones that occurred all over the city. A lot of those are spots where I first spent time with my husband. Our first date, our first kiss and many kisses afterward on various street corners. As far as neighborhoods, I've always loved the West Village and anywhere you can get a lovely tea service or al fresco brunch is tops in my book!"
  

What has your experience been like so far with the show? Transitioning from the role of Miss Barley to Phoebe, what is your favorite part about playing your character? What is the most challenging aspect of performing, in your opinion?

• "Honestly, the trajectory and experience of this show for me has been a dream come true. Steven Lutvak has been my vocal coach since I first moved to the city. I have had the privilege to sing music from GGLAM before it was even called GGLAM. I had the opportunity to do several workshops and multiple roles. To be involved with a project from its early development, be a part of the out-of-town run, audition again and become part of the original company, cover both female leads, and sometimes go on for both in the SAME day, then see it win the Tony for Best Musical, THEN take over the role of Phoebe! What?!?! That is like the unicorn of theater experiences: It virtually never happens, it's so rare!  Now, to be playing 'Phoebe' eight times a week is just a dream. I love her. I love that she's both classy and quirky and the score I get to sing is kind of just the perfect fit for my skill set. This is the first chance I've had to play a leading character for this long, and God, it is fun!  To really just dig into the character and find new things and experiment as you grow more comfortable is such a joy! And made even better because I have such incredibly gifted and gracious cast mates who are willing and always growing themselves. It doesn't elude me that shows don't run for ever, so I really try to make the most of each performance and each day we all have together at the Walter Kerr."

What is your favorite sequence of the show? (Perhaps one you perform in and one you don't)

• "Hmm, well it's always thrilling to perform the trio, "I've Decided To Marry You", each night. It's like getting on a roller coaster.  I also have a special place in my heart for "Lady Hyacinth Abroad" and Jefferson as Lord Ezekiel."
  

 What is your favorite movie, TV, book?

• "I'm a bit of an Anglophile, so I love historical fiction especially Phillipa Gregory. I also read and saw 'Wolf Hall,' both the PBS with Mark Rylance and the Broadway production, and I totally geeked out! I love anything to do with the Royals in any era!"
  

If you could switch places with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?

• "This may sound narcissistic or something but I don't think I'd switch with anyone...Okay, maybe Kate Middleton. But I would still want my gorgeous husband over Wills, sorry not sorry. But I would like to be a more financially stable version of my self."
  

What is your guilty pleasure?

• "My guilty pleasure is HGTV, namely the show "Fixer Upper". I love the hosts, Chip and Joanna Gaines and even contemplate moving to Waco, TX just so they could fix a house for us! That coupled with Trader Joe's dark chocolate caramels and I'm all set."
  

Would you be willing to share with us an embarrassing moment you have experienced on stage (whether in this show or another)?

• "I'm sure there are too many to count and I've tried to block many of them from my mind.  Honestly, the scariest moment for me was during a production of 'Sound of Music' that I was doing, I had my very first panic attack in the middle of the show and couldn't finish. I didn't know what was happening to me and it was the beginning of a few years of daily struggle with anxiety. I like to bring awareness to the issue because I think it is far more prevalent than people realize but it can make you feel so isolated and alone. But, for anyone who is struggling, you CAN overcome it! You must find the right tools to combat it. It may be exercise or meditation, or for extreme cases, medication. But try everything until you find what makes a difference for you and DO NOT let anxiety win! That's my PSA for today."
  

What does theater mean to you?

• "Theater is, or should be, a haven for self-expression. It is meant to inspire, provoke thought and cultivate freedom of expression. For me, it was the place to find acceptance and utilize the gifts and quirks that belong to me and only me. Whether it's used to tell a personal story or someone else's, it is one of the greatest tools our society has for promoting community whilst celebrating individuality."